Swiss govt order reaffirms Osho disciples’ faith

Osho sanyasis held a closed-door meeting in Koregaon Park on Thursday. Photo by Dhananjay Helwade

By: Kaumudi Gurjar

Sanyasis hope that action will now also be taken against members of OIF Pune for last year’s infringement of IPR

The decision of the Swiss government to suspend the Zurichbased Osho International Foundation (OIF) board members and freeze their bank accounts after allegations of misappropriation of financial assets has reaffirmed the faith of Osho sanyasis in the city, making them optimistic that a similar decision will be taken here as well.

Since last year, Osho International Meditation Resort in the city has been rocked by allegations of intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement, but the matter is yet to be resolved.

The sanyasis, who held a closed-door meeting in Koregaon Park on Thursday, expressed hope that a time will come soon when they will be allowed to enter the Osho Samadhi without having to to remove prayer beads and wear only a particular kind of robe; other Osho disciples, who have been barred from entering the Ashram, are hoping that they will be given the opportunity soon.

Yogesh Thakkar alias Swami Premgeet said, “The nature of the crime committed in OIF Pune is similar to what had happened in Zurich. They have proved that the financial benefits of public charitable trust of OIF and Neosanyas Foundation were being transferred to private companies of trustees.

We have already filed an interim application at Mumbai Charitable Commissioner office in December 2011 and also filed a petition in Bombay HC last June.” Buoyant because of the Swiss government’s move to dissolve the board of management, Swami Anandi alias Kishor Raval said, “We are certain that a similar order will be passed in India, which will put an end to exploitation of disciples and restore Osho’s vision.”

An Osho sanyasi, who did not want to be named, told Mirror,”We are already looking for an alternative plan of action to run the Ashram in a transparent manner, in anticipation that a similar decision will be taken here as well.”

Another Osho sanyasi, Ma Bodhipratima, said, “I am hopeful the Ashram will be soon open for all to dance, sing and meditate.”

Meanwhile, Ma Amrit Sadhana, spokesperson of OIF, Pune, said, “I am not aware about this meeting.” Reacting about the positivity among sanaysis that a similar order will be passed in India, she said, “I can comment only after the court order comes through.”